Bears Open the Season Against Blue Raiders

Shawnee State's Swim team opened their season with a hard-fought meet against Lindsey Wilson College. The Bear ultimately lost to the Blue Raiders, 143 points to 350 points.

Coach Kenzie Pennington is proud of her team's showing regardless of the point difference. Pennington commented, "The team overall put up multiple great swims and represented Shawnee well against a team nearly two times their size. Lindsey Wilson is number two in our conference, so our Women's 200 medley relay beating them was a big deal and was the first time in program history that one of our relays beat them. …Our Men's 200 Free relay was just out-touched by Lindsey Wilson, so they were close to achieving what the Women did in their 200 Medley relay."

Despite the loss, Pennington's team had their best performance against the Mid-South's #2 team. There were several notable performances from returning swimmers: Evan Siberell (Junior) placed 1st in the 100 and 200 breaststroke, De-Nicha Lewis (Sophomore) won both the 50 freestyle and 100 butterfly, and Abigail Bosler (Sophomore) finished 1st in 100 breaststroke. Newcomer, Freshman Katie McCafferty, took home first place in the 400 freestyle.

This was Pennington's first meet as the head coach for Shawnee State. It means so much for her to be taking over her Alma Mater's team. "Overall, though, the team was extremely united and came together to support their teammates, which to me as a coach was the most important aspect. This being my first meet as a collegiate coach meant a lot to me and my family… Having their support mixed with seeing our swimmers so excited to compete makes all of the early mornings and late nights worth it."

Pennington has high goals for her team this season, "This is the beginning of what is going to be a record-breaking season for this team, and we are all so excited for what is to come." The Swimming Bears will be on the road on Saturday, October 14th, against Midway University and the University of Pikeville, hoping to gain their first win of the season.